Palaeophragmodictya
# Palaeophragmodictya

Palaeophragmodictya is an extinct genus of sponge-grade organisms from the Ediacaran Period. Originally interpreted as a hexactinellid sponge, the organism also bears some coelomate characteristics, including bilateral symmetry.

## Morphology

The organisms take the form of a rounded, dome-like bag, 7–68 mm in diameter, with an uneven margin. Radial grooves define sac-like compartments within the bag. The radial pattern has an element of bilateral symmetry. A stalk emerges from the central point of some specimens, at the top of the organism; in life, it probably extended into the water column. Ray-like filaments radiate outwards from the edge of the bag. Some structures in the organism have been interpreted as spicules.

## Ecology

The organisms have been interpreted as tall suspension feeders, reaching 10 cm or more up into the sea water above them.

## Original description

The genus was originally considered to be a member of the Dictyospongiidae family (hexactinellia), and was among the first Precambrian sponges to be described.

## Distribution

First found in the Pound group of Australia, fossils have also been recovered from the White Sea region of Russia.

## Other Sponge-Grade Ediacarans

* Fedomia
* Vaveliksia
